Sport

Cymru make historic Euro debut as Haverfordwest’s James-Turner set to shine

Angharad James-Turner

Published

10 months ago

July 4, 2025

A historic moment awaits Cymru as they step out at the Swissporarena in Lucerne for their first-ever appearance at a major tournament, facing European heavyweights the Netherlands in their Euro 2025 opener.

And among those representing the nation is Haverfordwest’s own Angharad James-Turner, whose midfield presence will be pivotal if Cymru are to stand toe-to-toe with one of Europe’s most formidable sides.

“This is the moment we’ve dreamed about for years,” said teammate Jess Fishlock. “We’ve broken through several ceilings – now we have to burst a big one.”

From Pembrokeshire to the Heart of Europe

For local supporters in Pembrokeshire, pride runs especially deep today. James-Turner, raised in Haverfordwest and a product of grassroots football in west Wales, has become a key figure in Cymru’s rise to the European stage.

The 30-year-old midfielder brings drive, experience and composure, having earned over 100 caps for her country and played professionally across the UK and United States.

“She covers every blade of grass,” said manager Rhian Wilkinson. “She’s relentless and leads by example. Players like her are the heartbeat of this squad.”

A Team Built on Grit and Belief

Cymru arrive in Switzerland as underdogs – ranked 30th in the world and the lowest of the 16 sides competing – but with a spirit and sense of purpose that’s taken them further than many expected.

They edged past the Republic of Ireland in a tense two-legged play-off to seal their spot at the finals and now find themselves in the tournament’s toughest group, alongside the Netherlands, France, and England.

Captain Sophie Ingle returns from injury to anchor the midfield, while Fishlock and James-Turner offer experience and energy in the engine room. In goal, 23-year-old Olivia Clark is set to start, having gone from working shifts in McDonald’s to facing Europe’s elite.

Dutch a Formidable Force – But Vulnerable

The Netherlands arrive with pedigree – European champions in 2017 and runners-up at the 2019 World Cup – but they’re not without questions. Head coach Andries Jonker departs after the tournament, and his squad has looked shaky defensively in recent outings.

Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema, back from a long-term knee injury, remains their biggest threat, supported by pacey forwards Lineth Beerensteyn and Esmee Brugts.

What Cymru Need to Do

Cymru’s best chance lies in their organisation and discipline. Wilkinson has drilled her side well, preparing for a low-block, counter-attacking approach that will seek to frustrate and disrupt the Dutch rhythm.

Set-pieces could offer opportunities, with James-Turner and Ingle both capable of delivering dangerous balls into the box.

“We know we’re not favourites,” said James-Turner. “But that doesn’t change how much we believe in ourselves. We’re here to compete, not just to take part.”

Quick Glance

Kick-off: 5PM (BST)
TV: Across BBC and S4C
Group D: Cymru, Netherlands, France, England
World Rankings: Netherlands (11), Cymru (30)
Last Meeting: Netherlands 5–0 Cymru (2017 friendly)
Key Local Player: Angharad James-Turner (Haverfordwest)

Expected Cymru XI (4-2-3-1)

Clark; Evans, Ladd, Roberts, Green; Ingle, James-Turner; Harding, Fishlock, Ward; Morgan

A Night for Pembrokeshire to Be Proud

Tonight, as Cymru walk out under the lights in Lucerne, all eyes in Pembrokeshire will be on Angharad James-Turner, the girl from Haverfordwest who rose through the local ranks to the European stage.

Whatever the result, she – and the entire squad – have already made history. But now, they’ll be dreaming of more.

Sport

Young Crymych players step up to senior stage

Published

3 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

Five youth team players earn praise after impressing at championship level

CRYMYCH RUGBY CLUB has hailed the contribution of five of its youth players after they stepped up to feature in a senior side at championship level.

The young players, who remain part of the club’s youth setup, were given the opportunity to test themselves in a higher-level fixture, and impressed coaches and supporters alike with their attitude and commitment on the field.

Club representatives said it was “fantastic to see” the dedication shown by the youngsters, who rose to the occasion in what was described as a special experience for both the players and the club.

The match provided a valuable opportunity for development, allowing the next generation of Crymych players to gain experience in a more competitive environment while contributing to the senior squad.

The rugby club said the move reflects its long-term focus on nurturing homegrown talent and creating a clear pathway from youth rugby into the senior game.

Officials added that the future of the club looks bright, with the performance of the young “Teirw” – or Bulls – offering reassurance that the next generation is ready to carry the club forward.

The club congratulated the players on their achievement and said it hopes to see more youth players progressing through the ranks in the coming seasons.

Sport

Tenby youngsters book places in West Wales cup finals

Published

3 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

Under 13s and under 14s progress after District H finals day success

TENBY UNITED RFC’s junior sides enjoyed a memorable District H finals day, with two age groups securing victories and places in the West Wales cup finals.

The club’s under 13s lifted silverware after beating Crymych 32-17, while the under 14s edged a thrilling contest against Neyland, winning 18-17.

Tenby’s under 12s were also involved in a close match, narrowly losing 31-28 to Haverfordwest.

The under 13s and under 14s will now go on to represent the club at the West Wales cup finals at Parc y Scarlets on May 24.

Tenby United RFC congratulated the young Swifts on their achievements, saying: “Well done Swifts.”

Caption:

Winners: Tenby United RFC’s under 14s celebrate their District H final victory.

Sport

Carew set early pace as rain disrupts Pembrokeshire cricket programme

Published

5 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

RAIN played a major part in Week 2 of the Nicholas Insurance Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League, with several Division 1 fixtures abandoned after strong first-innings performances.

Carew made the biggest statement in the top flight, cruising to a ten-wicket win over St Ishmaels to move clear at the top of the table.

St Ishmaels were bowled out for 110, with Tim Hicks (3-18), Shaun Whitfield (3-14) and Logan Hall (2-27) doing the damage. Carew then eased to 111-0, Hicks completing an outstanding all-round display with 55 not out, alongside Morgan Grieve’s unbeaten 54.

Elsewhere, Narberth piled up 301-7 before rain intervened against Herbrandston, Jamie McCormack hitting a superb 104. Lawrenny (297-7) and Burton (203-7) also posted big totals before the weather had the final say.

Division 1 results

Match	Result
Cresselly 30-2 v Burton 203-7	Match abandoned
Narberth 301-7 v Herbrandston 51-0	Match abandoned
Whitland 10-0 v Lawrenny 297-7	Match abandoned
Saundersfoot 205-7 v Neyland	Match abandoned
Carew 111-0 v St Ishmaels 110 all out	Carew won by 10 wickets

Division 1 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Carew	2	2	0	0	36
2	Saundersfoot	2	1	0	1	27
3	Herbrandston	2	1	0	1	25
4	Neyland	2	1	0	1	25
5	Narberth	2	0	0	1	20
6	St Ishmaels	2	0	1	0	15
7	Burton	2	0	1	1	14
8	Whitland	2	0	1	1	14
9	Cresselly	2	0	1	1	11
10	Lawrenny	2	0	1	1	11

Johnston lead strong Division 2 pack

Johnston sit top after a dominant 135-run win over Llangwm, powered by Lewis Boswell’s 99 and Steve Mills’ 62.

Hook maintained their perfect start, edging Haverfordwest by four wickets, while Cresselly II brushed aside Llechryd by nine wickets after bowling them out for just 41.

Division 2 results

Match	Result
Llechryd 41 all out v Cresselly II 44-1	Cresselly II won by 9 wickets
Llanrhian 155-5 v Fishguard 154-7	Llanrhian won by 5 wickets
Hook 143-6 v Haverfordwest 142-9	Hook won by 4 wickets
Llangwm 106 all out v Johnston 241-6	Johnston won by 135 runs
Pembroke Dock 152-2 v Pembroke 168-8	Match abandoned

Division 2 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Johnston	2	2	0	0	40
2	Hook	2	2	0	0	37
3	Cresselly II	2	2	0	0	36
4	Pembroke	2	1	0	1	28
5	Haverfordwest	2	1	1	0	24
6	Pembroke Dock	2	0	1	1	23
7	Llanrhian	2	1	1	0	22
8	Fishguard	2	0	2	0	16
9	Llangwm	2	0	2	0	13
10	Llechryd	2	0	2	0	3

Kilgetty and Carew II lead Division 3 race

Kilgetty and Carew II are locked together at the top after two wins from two.

Lamphey produced one of the standout performances of the week, hammering Burton II by 155 runs, while Laugharne continued their unbeaten start.

Division 3 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Kilgetty	2	2	0	0	38
2	Carew II	2	2	0	0	38
3	Laugharne	2	2	0	0	37
4	Lamphey	2	1	1	0	28
5	Saundersfoot II	2	1	0	1	26
6	Hundleton	2	1	1	0	24
7	Haverfordwest II	2	0	2	0	14
8	Stackpole	2	0	2	0	14
9	Pembroke II	2	0	1	1	13
10	Burton II	2	0	2	0	12

Narberth II lead Division 4

Narberth II sit top after a five-wicket win over Neyland II, thanks to Jordan Howell’s unbeaten 88.

Hook II edged a thriller by one wicket, while Haverfordwest III also maintained a perfect start.

Division 4 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Pts
1	Narberth II	2	2	0	39
2	Hook II	2	2	0	36
3	Haverfordwest III	2	2	0	36
4	Lawrenny II	2	2	0	35
5	Crymych	2	1	1	29
6	Llechryd II	2	1	1	28
7	Neyland II	2	0	2	15
8	St Ishmaels II	2	0	2	15
9	Herbrandston II	2	0	2	13
10	Carew III	2	0	2	11

Rowlands ton headlines Division 5

Tom Rowlands’ superb 108 guided Cresselly III to victory, while Llanrhian II remain joint top after a crushing win featuring Rick Walton’s remarkable 8-13.

Division 5 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Llanrhian II	2	2	0	0	40
2	Cresselly III	2	2	0	0	40
3	Whitland II	2	1	1	0	25
4	Llangwm II	1	1	0	0	19
5	Pembroke III	2	0	1	1	14
6	Llechryd III	2	0	2	0	11
7	Pembroke Dock II	2	0	1	1	11
8	Hundleton II	1	0	1	0	6